During the presidential campaign, the then President-elect published a document in Salvador, Bahia, containing the following basic and preliminary principles, which serve as a starting point for reflection on the Government's programme in the effort against racism and discrimination in all its forms: The guarantee of a democratic and participatory policy formulation process; The consideration of the social issue as the principal organizing axis for the difficult political task of outlining strategies for the nation's reconstruction; The construction of a foundation for a democratic and populist programme for Brazil, with emphasis on the related social, national and democratic aspects; The reduction in the gap between whites and blacks, recognized by important studies and research work performed by Government agencies and non-governmental organizations, by universities and organizations of the black movement; The incorporation of the black population as citizens enjoying the full exercise of their rights and the creation of objective conditions for its access to and participation in the country's social and political benefits; and Joining the debate on race relations in the world, in the light of the current political, economic, social and cultural setting in times defined by globalization and neo-liberalism.
Durante la campaña presidencial, cuando era Presidente electo, publicó un documento en Salvador (Bahía) donde se enumeran los siguientes principios básicos y preliminares, que son el punto de partida de una reflexión sobre el programa del Gobierno en materia de lucha contra todas las formas de racismo y discriminación: